Composite utility assembly comprising a three-dimensional collectable figurine

ABSTRACT

A composite utility assembly comprises a body in the configuration of a three-dimensional figurine, wherein the three-dimensional figurine comprises one of a plurality of collectable three-dimensional characters. The assembly comprises a utility member having a shaft with a utility end attached to a body that conforms to the shape of one of a plurality of collectable characters, and at least one attachment member for mounting the composite utility assembly to a support surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of functional figurines. More particularly, it concerns a composite utility assembly comprising a three-dimensional collectable figurine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Personal grooming devices and utensils are commonly manufactured to provide an aesthetically pleasing design that is desirable to children, such that they will be more inclined to interact and beneficially use the grooming device or utensil. For example, handles have been made in the form of an animal or cartoon character; however, once the grooming device or utensil becomes old or worn out, it is necessary to dispose of the entire device or utensil.

Furthermore, the personal grooming devices and utensils are typically designed with the idea of making them aesthetically appealing to children; however, they remain poorly designed for actual use as a grooming device or utensil because they are not adapted for conformity with a child's hands and other bodily features. Likewise, the cartoon character or animal body portion of the device is not usually conducive for play by the child because of the attached utensil or grooming portion.

Another aspect that is problematic with such personal grooming devices and utensils, such as toothbrushes, is that the devices and utensils are usually configured such that they are laid on their side without being secured during storage. As such, a toothbrush, for instance, may periodically come in contact with the surface that it rests upon and result in bacterial or dirt contamination.

As such, there is a need for a functional utility assembly in the form of a three-dimensional collectable character that can entice a child to regularly use the utility assembly, allow for replacement and interchangeability of the functional portion of the utility assembly, provide a collectable or toy for the child's enjoyment, and provide an effective means for firmly attaching the assembly to a surface when not in use by the child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a composite utility assembly comprising a utility member and a body. In at least one embodiment, the utility member includes a shaft with an engagement end and a utility end. In at least one embodiment, the body comprises at least an upper end and a lower end. In some embodiments, the upper end is disposed and configured to securely yet releasably interconnect with the engagement end of the utility member. In one embodiment, the body at least partially defines a collectable character. In at least one further embodiment, the body at least partially defines at least one of a plurality of collectable characters. In some embodiments, the shaft of the utility member extends outwardly from the upper end of the body when the engagement end is secured such that a longitudinal axis through the utility end is offset from a central axis through the body.

In at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly further comprises a plurality of different utility members, each of the plurality of different utility members being structured and disposed to securely yet releasably interconnect to the upper end of the body.

In at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly can further comprise at least one attachment member with an attachment side and a fixed side. In some embodiments, the fixed side is mounted to the lower end of the body and the attachment side is configured for removably mounting the composite utility assembly to a surface. In at least one embodiment, the attachment member is a suction cup. In another embodiment, the attachment member is a magnetic attachment member.

In at least one embodiment, the utility member of the composite utility assembly comprises a utensil. In at least one embodiment, the utensil is a dental utensil, while in other embodiments, the utensil may comprise any of a hair care utensil, a writing utensil, an eating utensil, or any other similar type of utensil that can be adapted for use in the present invention.

In at least one embodiment, the body of the composite utility assembly at least partially defines at least one of a plurality of collectable characters. In some embodiments, the body includes at least one appendage, such as an arm or a leg. In some embodiments, the body may comprise a plurality of appendages, such as a pair of arms and/or a pair of legs. In some embodiments, the lower end of the body comprises one or more legs, and at least one attachment member is attached to the bottom of at least one leg.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation illustrative of at least one embodiment of a composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification.

FIGS. 2A-2H are elevational views illustrative of several alternative embodiments of a composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification.

FIG. 3 is an elevation illustrative of at least one embodiment of a composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification, wherein an engagement end of a utility member is depicted.

FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective views illustrative of at least one embodiment of a body engagement member of the composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification.

FIGS. 5A-5F are perspective views illustrative of releasable interconnection of at least one embodiment of a body engagement member and an engagement end of a utility member, as disclosed in the present specification.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views illustrative of at least one embodiment of a utility member as disclosed in the present specification.

FIG. 6C is an exploded view illustrative of at least one embodiment of an engagement end of a composite member as disclosed in the present specification.

FIGS. 7A-7C are perspective views illustrative of at least one other embodiment of a utility member as disclosed in the present specification.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view illustrative of at least one other embodiment of an engagement end of a utility member as disclosed in the present specification.

FIGS. 8B and 8C are cross-sectional views illustrative of the engagement end as illustrated in FIG. 8A and an upper end of a body of at least one embodiment of a composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification.

FIGS. 9A-9C are perspective views illustrative of at least one further embodiment of a utility member as disclosed in the present specification.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view illustrative of at least one embodiment of a composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification, wherein a central axis through a body is depicted by dashed line (___) and a longitudinal axis through a utility end of a utility member is depicted by a dotted line (___).

FIG. 11A is an elevational view illustrative of at least one embodiment of an attachment member of a composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view illustrative of the embodiment of the attachment member of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is an elevation illustrative of at least one embodiment of an attachment member of the composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification.

FIGS. 12A-12H are elevational views illustrative of several alternative embodiments of a composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification including an eating utensil, wherein the eating utensil comprises a knife.

FIGS. 13A-13H are elevational views illustrative of several alternative embodiments of a composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification including an eating utensil, wherein the eating utensil comprises a spoon.

FIGS. 14A-14H are elevational views illustrative of several alternative embodiments of a composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification including an eating utensil, wherein the eating utensil comprises a fork.

FIGS. 15A-15H are elevational views illustrative of several alternative embodiments of the composite utility assembly as disclosed in the present specification including a grooming utensil, wherein the grooming utensil comprises a comb.

FIG. 16A is an elevational view of one further embodiment of a composite utility assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16B is a bottom perspective view of the composite utility assembly of FIG. 16A.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and with primary reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a composite utility assembly, generally indicated as 100, comprising a utility member 110 and a body 120. In at least one embodiment, the utility member 110 includes a shaft 111 with an engagement end 112 and a utility end 113. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the body 120 comprises an upper end 121 and a lower end 122. In some embodiments, the upper end 121 is disposed and configured to securely yet releasably interconnect with the engagement end 112 of the utility member 110. As shown in the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2H, the body 120 at least partially defines at least one of a plurality of collectable characters 210.

In at least one embodiment, the utility member 110 is configured as a personal hygiene utensil. In some embodiments, the utility member 110 is structured and disposed to securely yet releasably interconnect to the upper end 121 of the body 120. In some embodiments, the utility member 110 is configured as a dental utensil 270. In some embodiments, the dental utensil 270 is a toothbrush 280 (see FIGS. 2A-2H). In some embodiments, the utility member 110 is configured as a hair care utensil 1520. In some embodiments, the hair care utensil 1520 is a comb 1510 (see FIGS. 15A-15H). In some embodiments, the utility member 110 is configured as a brush.

In at least one embodiment, the utility member 110 is configured as a writing device. In some embodiments, the utility member 110 is configured as a pen. In some embodiments, the utility member 110 is configured as a pencil. In some embodiments, the utility member 110 is configured as a marker.

In at least one embodiment, the utility member 110 is configured as an eating utensil 1210. In some embodiments, the eating utensil 1210 is a knife 1220 (FIGS. 12A-12H). In some embodiments, the eating utensil is a spoon 1310 (see FIGS. 13A-13H). In some embodiments, the eating utensil is a fork 1410 (see FIGS. 14A-14H).

In at least one embodiment, the utility member 110 is configured as a flashlight. In some embodiments, the utility member 110 is structured and disposed to securely yet releasably interconnect to the upper end 121 of the body 120. In at least one embodiment, the utility member 110 is configured as a pointing device.

In at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly 100 comprises a plurality of different utility members 110, each of the plurality of different utility members 110 being structured and disposed to securely yet releasably interconnect to the upper end 121 of the body 120.

In at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly 100 further comprises at least one attachment member 130. In one further embodiment, an attachment member 130 comprises an attachment side 131 and a fixed side 132.

In one embodiment, the body 120 of the composite utility assembly 100 at least partially defines a collectable character 210. In one further embodiment, the body 120 of the composite utility assembly 100 at least partially defines at least one of a plurality of collectable characters 210, wherein each of the plurality of collectable characters 210 are related members of a series of collectable characters such as, for example, the various Angry Birds™ characters, cartoon characters from a television series, cartoon characters from a movie and movie sequels, etc. In some embodiments, the body 120 defining the collectable character 210 is three-dimensional. In some embodiments, the body 120 includes at least one appendage 220 extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the appendages 220 include one or more leg 230 and/or arm 240. In some embodiments, the lower end 122 of the body 120 comprises one or more legs 230 and the at least one attachment member 130 is mounted to the one or more leg 230. The at least one attachment member 130 allows for the utility assembly to be removably attached to a surface.

In at least one embodiment, such as is illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the body 120 comprises a substantially spherical configuration having an upper end 121 and a lower end 122, without having any arms or legs. As illustrated in FIG. 16B, an attachment member 130 comprising a single suction cup is affixed to the bottom of the lower and 122 of the substantially spherical body 120.

In some embodiments, the collectable character 210 may be in the shape of a vehicle, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. In this embodiment, the vehicle may have a front end 250 and a rear end 260. In some embodiments, the at least one attachment member 130 is mounted to either the front end 250 or the rear end 260 of the vehicle shaped character.

A non-limiting example of the collectable characters 210 defined by various embodiments of the body 120 include ludic figures (FIG. 2A), child characters (FIG. 2B), vehicles (FIG. 2C), animals (FIG. 2D), dinosaurs (FIG. 2E), humans (FIGS. 2F and 2G) and superheroes (FIG. 2H). In some embodiments, the collectable characters 210 comprise cartoon characters from print, television, or motion picture, such as, but not limited to, Strawberry Shortcake®, Smurfs®, Disney characters, Godzilla®, Angry Birds™, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in at least one embodiment, a composite utility assembly 100 is shown comprising a utility member 110 and a body 120, wherein the engagement end 112 of the utility member 110 is interconnected to the body 120. More in particular, in at least some embodiments, the engagement end 112 is securely yet removably interconnected to the body 120, to allow interchangeability of each of the plurality of different utility members 110. In some embodiments, the engagement end 112 is securely yet removably interconnected to the upper end 121 of the body 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, in at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly further comprises a body engagement member 410. Several illustrative views of a body engagement member 410 are illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C. In some embodiments, a body engagement member 410 further comprises a plurality of barbed protrusions 420 for engaging an upper end 121 of a body 120. In some embodiments, a body engagement member 410 further comprises an end protrusion 430 for further engaging an upper end 121 of the body 120, wherein the end protrusion 420 is structured and disposed for preventing rotation of an engagement end 112 of a utility member 110, when engaged with the upper end 121. As such, in at least one embodiment, a body engagement member 410 is adapted such that an engagement end 112 of a utility member 110 fits within without allowing for excessive movement or rotation of the utility member 110.

Several illustrative views of one embodiment of a body engagement member 410 are illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5F. Illustrative views of a body engagement member 410 are shown prior to insertion and after insertion into the upper end 121 of the body 120. It would be understood by those skilled in the art that the body engagement member 410 may comprise alternative embodiments such that secure, yet removable, interconnection of an engagement end 112 of a utility member 110 into a body 120 is achieved. In some embodiments, an engagement end 112 is adapted with a tongue structure 610 such that it securely yet releasably interconnects within a groove 510 of a body engagement member 410 of the body 120. In other embodiments, an engagement end 112 is adapted such that it can be inserted directly into an opening 820 in a body 120, without the necessity of the body engagement member 410, as in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8B. In such embodiments, the opening 820 in the body 120 is adapted such that it provides a secure, yet removable, fit for the engagement end 112 of the utility member 110.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are illustrative of at least one embodiment of a front perspective (FIG. 6B) and a back perspective (FIG. 6A) view of a utility member 110 in accordance with the present invention, wherein the utility member 110 comprises a shaft 111 with an engagement end 112 and a utility end 113. As shown in more detail in FIG. 6C, in some embodiments, the engagement end 112 is adapted with a tongue structure 610 such that it securely yet releasably interconnects within a groove 510 of a body engagement member 410 of the body 120, as further illustrated in FIG. 5F. It would be understood by those skilled in the art that the tongue structure 610 and the groove 510 can be used interchangeably on the engagement end 112 and body engagement member 410, or other opening in the body 120, as long as they correspond and allow for proper engagement of the parts.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, at least one embodiment of multiple perspective views (FIG. 7A, front perspective; FIG. 7B, side perspective; and FIG. 7C back perspective) of the utility member 110 of the present invention is depicted, wherein the utility member 110 comprises a shaft 111 with an engagement end 112 and a utility end 113. A similar embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 9A-9C; however, the utility member 110 is shown at various perspectives (9A, front perspective; 9B, side perspective; and 9C, back perspective) and is made from multiple types of materials, such as, but not limited to, plastic and rubber.

As shown in FIG. 8A, in some embodiments, the engagement end 112 is adapted with a threaded structure 810 such that it screws securely within the body engagement member 410. FIGS. 8B and 8C are a detailed depiction of an embodiment of the engagement end 112 with the threaded structure 810 as it is aligned, inserted and screwed into a threaded opening 820 in the body 120. In some embodiments, the threaded opening 820 could be a component of the body engagement member 410. In some embodiments, the engagement end 112 containing a threaded structure 810 further comprises a safety lock ridge 830 which is adapted to snap into place once the engagement end 112 is screwed into place, helping to hold the engagement end 112 within the opening of the body 120. Likewise, in such embodiments, the threaded opening 820 in the body 120, or a threaded engagement member 410, would comprise a corresponding safety lock groove 840 to engage the safety lock ridge 830.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in at least one embodiment, the shaft 111 of the utility member 110 extends outwardly from the upper end 121 of the body when the engagement end 112 is secured such that a longitudinal axis 1020 through the utility end 113 is offset from a central axis 1010 through the body 120. The offset of the utility end 113 results in a curved or angular shape of the shaft 111 that is more conducive for use by a child when using the composite utility assembly 100, such as for reaching behind teeth when brushing. In other embodiments (not shown), a shaft 111 of a utility member 110 extends outwardly from an upper end 121 of a body 120 when an engagement end 112 is secured such that a utility end 113 is aligned to lie within a central axis 1010 of the body 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C, in at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly 100 comprises at least one attachment member 130 with an attachment side 131 and a fixed side 132. The fixed side 132 is mounted to the lower end 122 of the body 120 and the attachment side 131 is adapted for removably mounting the composite utility assembly 100 to a surface. As shown in the figures, in one embodiment, the attachment member 130 comprises a suction cup. In other embodiments, the attachment member 130 is a magnetic assembly for attachment to metal surfaces.

In at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly 100 comprises an eating utensil 1210 as a utility member 110. Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12H, the eating utensil 1210 comprises a knife 1220. A non-limiting example of the collectable characters 210 that may comprise the composite utility assembly 100 containing a knife include ludic figures (FIG. 12A), child characters (FIG. 12B), vehicles (FIG. 12C), animals (FIG. 12D), dinosaurs (FIG. 12E), humans (FIGS. 12F and 12G) and superheroes (FIG. 12H).

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13H, in at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly 100 comprises a spoon 1310 as the utility member 110. A non-limiting example of the collectable characters 210 that may comprise the composite utility assembly 100 containing a spoon 1310 include ludic figures (FIG. 13A), child characters (FIG. 13B), vehicles (FIG. 13C), animals (FIG. 13D), dinosaurs (FIG. 13E), humans (FIGS. 13F and 13G) and superheroes (FIG. 13H).

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14H, in at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly 100 comprises a fork 1410 as the utility member 110. A non-limiting example of the collectable characters 210 that may comprise the composite utility assembly 100 containing a fork 1410 include ludic figures (FIG. 14A), child characters (FIG. 14B), vehicles (FIG. 14C), animals (FIG. 14D), dinosaurs (FIG. 14E), humans (FIGS. 14F and 14G) and superheroes (FIG. 14H).

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15H, in at least one embodiment, the composite utility assembly 100 comprises a comb 1510 as the utility member 110. A non-limiting example of the collectable characters 210 that may comprise the composite utility assembly 100 containing a comb 1510 include ludic figures (FIG. 15A), children's characters (FIG. 15B), vehicles (FIG. 15C), animals (FIG. 15D), dinosaurs (FIG. 15E), humans (FIGS. 15F and 15G) and superheroes (FIG. 15H).

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described, 

What is claimed is:
 1. A composite utility assembly comprising a three-dimensional collectable figurine structured to be removably mounted to a support surface, said composite utility assembly comprising: a body comprising an upper end and a lower end, wherein said body at least partially defines at least one of a plurality of collectable three-dimensional characters, at least one attachment member affixed to a portion of said lower end of said body, said attachment member removably mounts said body to the support surface, at least one utility member comprising an elongated shaft having opposite ends, said at least one utility member further comprising an engagement end and a utility end disposed on different ones of said opposite ends of said elongated shaft member, wherein said engagement end securely yet releasably interconnects said at least one utility member to said upper end of said body, and said utility member further comprises a utensil.
 2. The composite utility assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of three-dimensional collectable characters comprise related members of a series of collectable three-dimensional characters.
 3. The composite utility assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said body comprises a substantially spherical configuration.
 4. The composite utility assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said body comprises a substantially elongated configuration.
 5. The composite utility assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said substantially elongated configuration of said body is disposed in an upright substantially vertical orientation when said body is removably mounted to the support surface.
 6. The composite utility assembly of claim 1 further comprising a central axis extending longitudinally through said body and a longitudinal axis extending through said utility end of said utility member.
 7. The composite utility assembly of claim 6 wherein said elongated shaft extends outwardly from said upper end of said body and said longitudinal axis through said utility end is offset from said central axis through said body when said engagement end is releasably interconnected to said upper end of said body.
 8. The composite utility assembly of claim 1 wherein said utensil is selected from the group comprising a dental utensil, a hair care utensil, a writing utensil, and an eating utensil.
 9. The composite utility assembly of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of different utility members, each of said plurality of different utility members being structured and disposed to securely yet releasably interconnect to said upper end of said body.
 10. The composite utility assembly of claim 1 wherein said at least one attachment member comprises a suction cup.
 11. A composite utility assembly comprising: at least one utility member comprising a shaft with an engagement end and a utility end, and a body comprising at least an upper end and a lower end, said engagement end of said utility member structured and disposed to securely yet releasably interconnect to said upper end of said body, and said body at least partially defines at least one of a plurality of collectable three-dimensional characters.
 12. The composite utility assembly of claim 11 further comprising at least one attachment member with an attachment side and a fixed side, wherein said fixed side is attached to said lower end of said body and said attachment side is configured for removably mounting said composite utility assembly to a surface.
 13. The composite utility assembly of claim 12 wherein said at least one attachment member comprises a suction cup.
 14. The composite utility assembly of claim 12 wherein said at least one attachment member comprises a magnetic attachment member.
 15. The composite utility assembly of claim 12 wherein said lower end of said body comprises at least one leg of said collectable three-dimensional character, said attachment member being affixed to a lower end of said at least one leg.
 16. The composite utility assembly of claim 11 wherein said utility member comprises a utensil.
 17. The composite utility assembly of claim 15 wherein said utensil is selected from the group comprising a dental utensil, a hair care utensil, a writing utensil, and an eating utensil.
 18. The composite utility assembly of claim 11 wherein said shaft extends outwardly from said upper end of said body when said engagement end is interconnected to said upper end of said body such that a longitudinal axis through said utility end is offset from a central axis through said body.
 19. The composite utility assembly of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of different utility members, each of said plurality of different utility members being structured and disposed to securely yet releasably interconnect to said upper end of said body.
 20. The composite utility assembly of claim 11 wherein said body further comprises at least one appendage extending therefrom. 